Tyler Independent School District

2020-05-13 Tyler ISD Releases June Graduation Guidelines

Tyler ISD looks forward to graduating more than 1,000 students from RISE Academy, Early College High School, John Tyler High School, and Robert E. Lee High School.

Graduation ceremonies will take place at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium on the following dates and times:

Tyler ISD Graduation Ceremony Schedule

Wednesday, June 3, 8 p.m. – RISE AcademyThursday, June 4, 8 p.m. – Early College High SchoolFriday, June 5, 8 p.m. – John Tyler High SchoolSaturday, June 6, 8 p.m. – Robert E. Lee High School

If you have a student who has underlying health conditions or medical needs, please contact your campus about an alternative option for their graduation ceremony.

Although we are looking forward to celebrating the tremendous achievements of our Class of 2020, please understand that the ceremonies will look a little different this year. All candidates for graduation and guests will be required to follow Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines and other state mandated health protocols, including social distancing guidelines and safety and security measures, at each ceremony.

Below is a compiled list of several things you need to know:

CEREMONY TICKET PICK UP

Each graduate will receive five guest tickets. A ticket will be required for each guest, including children and infants, and will be required for entry into the stadium. You can pick up your tickets during the following dates and times at your campus:

Front of the NEW high school. Enter from Donnybrook at the new school entrance.

RISE Academy

Thursday, May 289 a.m. – 2 p.m.*Front of school

VIRTUAL VIEWING OF THE CEREMONY

Graduation ceremonies will air live on TISD-TV Suddenlink Cable Channel 19 and the District website. All ceremonies will be recorded for DVD purchase. To purchase a DVD go to tylerisd.org/graduation.

PARKING

Parents and graduates can park in the Harvey Convention Center parking lot or the Mike Carter Field parking lot. Fair Park Drive will be closed to thru traffic on the horseshoe. The home side parking lot off Lyons will be for handicap parking and those working the event. Handicap access to the stadium will be at Gate 1.

ENTERING AND LEAVING STADIUM

All attendees must use social distancing when arriving and leaving the stadium.

Graduates must enter with their five family members/ticket holders. All five ticket holders must enter at the same time. Graduates will then head to their marked seat on the field while the families find seats in the stadium.

The TEA guidelines explicitly state that people are not to congregate outside or inside of the stadium at any given time.

It is the personal responsibility of each individual to determine if they would like to wear their own personal mask to this optional outdoor ceremony.

Following TEA mandated requirements, prior to attending the ceremony, participating students and attending family members must be screened (via questioning) by a Tyler ISD employee for any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Chills

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Headache

Sore throat

Loss of taste or smell

Diarrhea

Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit

Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19 if exposure to the active confirmed case occurred within the last 14 days.

Once inside the stadium, you are asked to keep social distancing.

Hand sanitizer stations will be available at all entrances and along the bottom of the stands on both sides of the stadium.

SEATING

Seating is first come, first served. For John Tyler and Robert E. Lee attendees, your tickets will designate a home or visitor side. If your ticket has a white background, you will sit on the visitor side. If your ticket has a blue or black background, you will sit on the home side. If you have questions, staff will be available to help you determine which side you need to go to for seating.

Seat clusters of five will be labeled throughout the bleachers with each cluster being six feet apart and clearly marked. All ticket holders for each graduate must sit together and cannot spread out to more than one marked cluster of five seats.

Berm (grassy areas) seating will be available and you are welcome to bring a blanket. Social distancing will also be enforced in berm seating areas. Handicap seating will be available during the ceremony.

RESTROOMS

Only three people will be allowed in each (respective) restroom and each stall will be sanitized by staff before the next person can enter.

GRADUATION CEREMONY PROCEDURES

The graduates will be seated on the field in socially distanced rows. When the graduate’s name is called, he or she will come up, walk across the stage and pick up the diploma that is placed on the table. Once exiting, there will be a photograph opportunity. So, be ready to smile!

The actual diplomas will be mailed at a later date.

Graduates will be released from the field first. Guests will need to stay seated until they are dismissed by an usher. Again, social distancing must be followed while exiting the stadium grounds.

BOTTLED WATER

Concessions for bottled water will be available and operated by campus Booster Club organizations. All volunteers must wear masks and gloves and have their temperature taken upon arrival. Only exact change will be accepted for concessions. Bottled water is $2.

CLEAR BAG AND OTHER STADIUM POLICIES

Additionally, graduates and guests are also reminded of the Tyler ISD Clear Bag Policy for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Guests are encouraged NOT to bring bags of any type into the stadium, including camera and binocular bags. However, the following items are permitted:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12";

One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar);

Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that does not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand);

An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.